JULY
2021 census data revealed Geelong was losing its religion faster than the rest of Australia, with non-religious people now outnumbering Christian faithful.
The state government announced a $6.5 million investment to build accommodation that would provide sustainable, long-term solutions for older people in the Geelong area who face homelessness.
Brendan Weening, 23, qualified to represent Australia at the World Youth Dart Championships in Wigan, England, where he ultimately reached the final 16 from a field of 96.
As new COVID-19 variants emerged, the state government reduced the “recently confirmed case” period from 12 weeks to four.
Real Estate Institute of Victoria data showed Geelong property price growth was slowing more than metropolitan Melbourne and other regional areas.
AUGUST
Former Highton cyclist Jess Gallagher claimed two golds at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, winning the tandem match sprint B and the tandem time trial B with her sighted pilot Caitlin Ward.
Demand for ambulances soared across Geelong, with paramedics responding to 16 percent more callouts than in the same period in 2021.
A prisoner who escaped from a Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre in central Victoria was arrested in Corio, where he was charged with escaping lawful custody.
Viva Energy’s announcement of commercial agreements for the construction of pier and berthing infrastructure for its proposed gas terminal in the Port of Geelong met with condemnation from numerous community groups.
Construction of the City of Greater Geelong’s new civic precinct Wurriki Nyal was completed.
Geelong Cat’s Tom Hawkins was named captain of the AFL’s team of year and was joined by teammates Mark Blicavs, Jeremy Cameron, Tyson Stengle and Tom Stewart.
SEPTEMBER
Tributes flowed for the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully at her Balmoral home on September 8.
Deakin University was once again rated by students as the best Victorian University for overall student experience.
After a 75-point loss two weeks before, Barwon Heads produced a stunning upset in the Bellarine Football League grand final, thrashing Torquay by 12.12 (84) to 3.11 (29).
In the Geelong District Football Netball league, East Geelong won its first A grade netball flag against Werribee Centrals, while Bannockburn prevailed against Inverleigh in the senior footy grand final.
St Mary’s won the Geelong Football Netball League football grand final against plucky contenders Leopold, while Colac defeated Newton & Chilwell to claim the A grade netball premiership.
Geelong won its 10th AFL premiership, defeating a disappointing Sydney 20.12 (133) to 8.4 (52), with Isaac Smith becoming the oldest winner of the Norm Smith medal.
